This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Body found at fire in northern LA County near where 19-year-old went missing
College student Bryce Laspisa, 19, went missing late last week. Authorities have found a burned body in the same vicinity of a search for Laspisa, though it is unclear as yet if the two incidents are connected.
(
Courtesy Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputies
)
An autopsy is pending on a burned body discovered Wednesday morning along Lake Hughes Road near Castaic Lake, not far from where authorities had been searching for missing 19-year-old college student Bryce Laspisa from Laguna Niguel.
Los Angeles County Fire Inspector Anthony Akins says firefighters stumbled on the body while responding to a call of a small brush fire.
"Upon arrival, first engine had a small spot that they identified and quickly extinguished. During the extinguishment, they found a body at the location and immediately requested the response of law enforcement," Akins said.
Investigators say the body was too badly damaged to even determine whether it was a man or a woman.
In the meantime, the search continues for Laspisa. He's been missing since Friday afternoon. The Cypress College student was driving from northern California to visit his parents in Laguna Niguel when he disappeared.
Laspisa's overturned SUV was discovered near Castaic Lake, with his cell phone, laptop and wallet still inside.
This story has been updated.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
